Noy inspects major government projects in Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – President Aquino inspected yesterday major projects of the government in Tawi-Tawi, including a P500-million bridge which connects the mainland and major islands in the province.

The visit of Aquino came after Sen. Grace Poe cancelled her visit to the island province reportedly due to some political pressure on local officials.

Reports from the Philippine Information Agency said the President was welcomed by local officials led by Tawi-Tawi Gov. Nurbert Sahali, Rep. Ruby Sahali, representatives of various agencies and students at the Sandbar Lepa Convention Center in Bongao.

Aquino inspected the bridges along the Sanga-Sanga, Lapid-Lapid Road that will be finished soon. These will connect mainland Panglima Sugala to Bongao to hasten the transport of goods.

Yesterday, the President also pitched for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Tawi-Tawi is part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which the BBL is seeking to replace with a Bangsamoro government that will be more responsive to the needs of its people.

In his speech, Aquino enumerated the accomplishments of his administration in the region, saying that people owed the developments to themselves and not his administration. – Roel Pareño, Aurea Calica